WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) released the following statement after President Obama announced Chief Judge Merrick Garland’s nomination to the Supreme Court:

“President Obama has fulfilled his constitutional duty by nominating a worthy and just successor, Chief Judge Merrick Garland, to the late Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat on the Supreme Court.

“For 19 years, Chief Judge Garland has served America’s most important federal appeals court: the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Chief Judge Garland is known for his fair-mindedness and ability to build consensus which will be important assets to the integrity of the Supreme Court.

“Now, the Senate must fulfill their constitutional duty and give the President’s Supreme Court nominee a fair hearing, comprehensive debate, and timely vote without undue delay. Any extended vacancy on the Supreme Court is irresponsible and unacceptable.

“We cannot tolerate the Senate playing political games with the highest court in the land.”

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Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 46th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and parts of the cities of Garden Grove and Orange in Orange County. She serves as a senior member on the Committee on Homeland Security and the House Armed Services Committee, and as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.